Gather in Bali in 2012!

Bali Chairman of Indonesian Congress and Convention Association Predicts 2012 a Bumper Year for Meetings in Bali.

(2/19/2012) Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has issued instructions to his government to do all possible to increase Indonesia’s share of the lucrative meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) market.

Quoted in Bisnis Bali, the chairman of the Bali Chapter of Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA), Ida Bagus Surakusuma, predicts that the government will work to stimulate the MICE market for Bali in 2012.

In keeping with the President’s instructions to stimulate the MICE sector, Cabinet Ministers have been ordered to not only promote conventions, but also work to bring incentives and exhibitions to Indonesia.

According to Surakusuma, more popularly known as “Lolec,” the government’s focus on MICE in Bali will provide business opportunities for professional conference organizers (PCO).

Lolec said the government has prepared a certification program for MICE operators as one of the steps to improve the skills of this sector of the national tourism economy.

Because of the economic impact of MICE and the employment opportunities that result, Lolec called on the Government to reduce the fees charged to the MICE sector. Citing two examples, he said the tax on alcohol must be simplified and procedures eased for the temporary importation of goods used in hosting MICE events in Bali.

According to INCCA, there were 140 MICE events in Bali in 2010. Lolec predicts that number to increase by 30% in 2012.

Lolec is optimistic that MICE business to Bali in 2012 will remain unaffected by the ongoing global economic crisis.

He also said that infrastructure projects now underway, such as the underpass project in Kuta, would reduce the difficulties posed by traffic jams in 2013.